Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - January 26, 2010
From: Driftwood, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Evergreen shrubs for screening in Hays County, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Help! I bought 2 acres in Driftwood and built a small house. Last year, the neighbor moved in a dilapidated old mobile home right on the fence line and I feel all my peace is gone. What is the fastest growing native evergreen bush or tree that grows at least 10 feet high (even higher if possible) in full sun. I tried legustrums and they didn't make it through the summer heat. I appreciate any help.ANSWER:
First of all, sorry, but Mr. Smarty Plants is glad that the ligustrums didn't make it. They are a seriously invasive plant all over North America. See the description of Ligustrum japonicum in the TexasInvasives.org database. There are other ligustrums in the database, too (e.g., L. sinense, L. vulgare, etc.). Mr. Smarty Plants has some alternatives, however, that are native to your area. You might consider using several of these plants for your screen. That way you will have some variety and can determine if one or more of these will grow better or faster on your particular site.
Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri (Lindheimer's silktassel) part shade and fast growth to 11 feet. Here is more information.
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurelcherry) part shade and fast growing to 15 to 20 feetRhus virens (evergreen sumac) sun, part shade and moderate to fast growth to 8 feet. Here is more information.
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) part shade and moderate to fast growing up to 25 feet
Morella cerifera [syn. Myrica cerifera](wax myrtle) sun, part shade to 20 feet and moderate growth rate. Since there are dwarf varieties that grow to only 5 or 6 feet, you will want to be sure that you choose the non-dwarf variety at the nursery.
Malpighia glabra (wild crapemyrtle) part shade to 6 feet.Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) sun, part shade and slow to moderate growth to 35 feet and has beautiful flowers in the spring. Here is more information.
Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita) sun, part shade up to 8 feet. Here is more information.
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush) sun, part shade, 5 to 8 feet, and here is more information.
Here are photos of the above plants from our Image Gallery:
More Privacy Screening Questions
Looking for a Privacy Barrier Plant for NC
August 21, 2014 - I am trying to determine the best plant for a privacy barrier for my area in NC that has clay soil. I have a 6 foot high fence but need something 12 feet or taller. It has to be something that does no...
view the full question and answer
Shrubs that non-toxic to horses but that they won't eat
October 29, 2011 - I am looking for a low maintenance, low water, green shrub that horses won't eat and will not be toxic to them. I want to hide my neighbors corral and keep down dust on my side. The horses have "l...
view the full question and answer
Shrub for privacy screen
June 22, 2008 - Hi,
We live in Aptos near the ocean. However, what you suggest to plant near our fence to screen out the one story house behind us. They have a large tree near in their backyard that sits against our...
view the full question and answer
Privacy screen shrubs for Butler PA
August 09, 2013 - Here is what I want in a bush: native to Western Pa.(Southern Butler County), appropriate for a horse pasture,fast growing, not too aggressive (I will mow around it regularly and can prune occasionall...
view the full question and answer
Native evergreen trees or shrubs for privacy screen in South Carolina
April 02, 2008 - RE: Wednesday - April 02, 2008
From: Johnston, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Native Trees
Title: Native evergreen trees or shrubs for privacy screen in South Carolina
Author: Barbara Medford
Qu...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |